Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect your urinary tract, including your bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection). UTIs may be treated with antibiotics, but they're not always needed. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include: Children with UTIs may also: In older, frail people who have problems with memory, learning and concentration (such as dementia), and people with a
urinary catheter, symptoms of a UTI may also include: Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:You think you, your child or someone you care for may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and:
These symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which can be serious if it's not treated as it could cause sepsis. You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Treatment from a GPIf a GP thinks you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI), they may do a urine test, although this is not always needed. A GP may also:
It's important to take all the medicine you're prescribed, even if you start to feel better. Treatment from a GP for UTIs that keep coming backIf your UTI comes back after treatment, or you have 2 UTIs in 6 months, a GP may:
In some people, antibiotics do not work or urine tests do not pick up an infection, even though you have UTI symptoms. This may mean you have a long-term (chronic) UTI that is not picked up by current urine tests. Ask the GP for a referral to a specialist for further tests and treatments. Long-term UTIs are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in people aged 60 and over. Things you can do yourselfTo help ease symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI):
Some people take cystitis sachets or cranberry drinks and products every day to prevent UTIs from happening, which may help. However, there's no evidence they help ease symptoms or treat a UTI if the infection has already started. A pharmacist can help with UTIsYou can ask a pharmacist about treatments for a UTI. A pharmacist can:
Some pharmacies offer a UTI management service. They may be able to give antibiotics if they're needed. Find a pharmacy Causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs)Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection. Things that increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder include:
How to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs)There are some things you can try to help prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI) happening or prevent it returning. Do
Don’t
Other ways to prevent some UTIs coming backIf you keep getting a bladder infection (cystitis), there is some evidence it may be helpful to take:
Speak to your doctor before taking any of these during pregnancy. Be aware that D-mannose and cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar. If you're taking warfarin, you should avoid cranberry products. Page last reviewed: 22 March 2022 How do I know if I have a bladder infection or something else?Visiting the restroom several times in a few hours is a good indicator of a bladder infection. Even after emptying your bladder, the urge to go remains. If you find blood in your urine, you probably have a bladder infection. A strong odor or cloudy urine can be a symptom, too.
How do bladder infections make you feel?The symptoms of a bladder infection can include : pain or burning when urinating. urgent and frequent need to urinate, often passing small quantities of urine. discomfort in the lower abdomen.
What is the difference between a UTI and a bladder infection?A UTI is defined as an infection in one or more places in the urinary tract—the ureters, kidneys, urethra, and/or bladder. A bladder infection is a UTI that's only located in the bladder.
What can be mistaken for a bladder infection?Bladder cancer is often mistaken for a bladder infection because they share many of the same symptoms. Patients with either condition may experience increased urgency, frequency, and pain with urination or incontinence—the inability to hold in urine.
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